Why Is My Eyelid Twitching?

When to See an Eye Care Professional

Though most occurrences of eyelid twitching resolve on their own, it might be necessary to make an appointment with an eye care provider. Eyelid spasms accompanied by any of the following symptoms could be related to a more serious problem:

Drooping Upper Eyelid

Red or Swollen Eye

Unusual Discharge

Eyelid Closes Completely with Each Spasm

Twitching Lasts for Several Weeks

Other Facial Spasms Begin

If you notice any of these symptoms, call your eye care professional right away for an examination.

Almost every person experiences some form of eyelid twitching in his or her lifetime. Known medically as blepharospasm, eyelid twitching is characterized by the involuntary movement or spasm of the eyelid muscles. Spasms typically occur every few seconds over the course of several minutes. Twitching episodes might occur for several days or weeks at a time. Blepharospasms occur in varying strengths, sometimes the spasm might force the eyelid shut. In other instances, it might only cause a slight fluttering of the eyelid. Typically, eyelid twitching is a harmless annoyance, but in rare cases it can signify a more serious neuromuscular problem.

Since blepharospasm is usually benign, no singular cause has been pinpointed, but several factors have been shown to increase the frequency or duration of eye twitching. These factors include:

Though rarely, eyelid twitching can be a sign of a brain or nerve disorder. When this is the case, other symptoms are usually present in addition to blepharospasm. If eyelid twitching accompanies other uncontrollable facial spasms or symptoms, it could be a sign of a more serious neuromuscular disorder. These brain and nerve disorders include:

Although these nerve and brain disorders are rare, if any other symptoms accompany eyelid twitching, a person should always see a doctor.

Most cases of blepharospasm will resolve on their own after a few days. To speed up the process or ease the symptoms, try applying a warm compress to the eye, using eye drops to keep the eye lubricated, drink less caffeine, and get more sleep. In extreme, chronic cases, an eye care professional might recommend Botox injections or surgery to remove the twitching muscles.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic (2013). Eye Twitching.

Medicine Net (2014). Eye Twitch.

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